Eyeshadows, lipsticks, gloss, setting powders— you must already be familiar with these essentials. But perhaps somewhere down the line, you must have wondered about which product to buy for the base. We say this because aside from foundation, newer variants like BB creme, CC creme, and of course, tinted moisturiser work perfectly as a base. These products, however, can be confusing, especially given that all of them are designed for similar performance.
While most of us already know what a foundation is and that it comes in different shades and coverage levels, we may be oblivious to the differences between BB creme, CC creme, and tinted moisturisers.
BB Creme (Beauty Balm)
As the name indicates, BB creme addresses blemishes and beautifies the skin.
CC Creme (Color Corrector)
Once again, as the name suggests, CC creme serves the purpose of colour correction.
Tinted Moisturisers
Tinted moisturisers are a light shade with moisturising elements for skin hydration.
To help you navigate better about the coverage functions of these products, when and how to see them, here's a detailed overview—-
What Is CC Crème and How Does It Work?
CC in CC creme stands for Colour Correcting. The texture is lighter than BB creme, but it offers full coverage. It is an ideal pick for people who wants foundation coverage without clogging the pores (owing to the light texture). CC creme helps in correcting redness, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, etc. CC crème, such as Xpress Glow Daily Beauty 10-In-1 Cream SPF 25, also offers sun protection and helps in preventing premature ageing. It comes in three shades like BB creme— light, medium, and dark.
What Is the Best Way to Apply CC Creme?
- Drop a dollop of CC creme on the back of your hand.
- Take a foundation brush and swirl the creme around it.
- Then, gently apply a thin layer to your forehead, nose, cheeks, chin, and upper lips.
- Next, nicely blend the creme across the face. You can also use your fingers or a wet beauty blender to blend.
When Should You Use CC Creme?
CC creme solutions are designed for giving a glowing, healthy complexion. But it is not a daily skincare product. So, just like you would with any other makeup product, the best time to use it is when you're heading out.
What Is BB Creme and How Does It Work?
The consistency of BB cremes is lighter than foundations but heavier than tinted moisturisers. BB cremes help even the skin tone and correct blemishes.
Why use BB Creme?
Consider it a versatile product that can be used as a moisturiser, primer, or foundation. The coverage performance is lighter than a traditional foundation. The best BB cremes in the market can give you a uniform tone, bright complexion and hydrates the skin, making it an excellent choice, especially for individuals with dry skin. BB cremes are also rich in antioxidants and contain SPF, which help in shielding the skin from free radical damage and environmental pollutants.
Now that you know the difference between bb and cc creme, let's find out what makes them different from other base products.
What makes foundation different from BB and CC cremes?
Foundation comes in a different colour to match skin tones. It is a skin-coloured makeup product for achieving a smooth, even skin tone while correcting discolourations. Foundation comes in various forms— mousse, cream, loose powder, stick, and pressed powder. It is also available in dewy to matte finishes and light to full coverage levels. Most foundations have a thicker texture than BB and CC cremes, providing higher coverage. However, unlike the latter, foundations generally don't come with skin-friendly ingredients— limiting them to an exclusively makeup items. It means that you will need skincare essentials like moisturisers and sunscreen underneath. Meanwhile, you may not require those products with BB or CC cremes.
What makes tinted moisturisers different from BB and CC cremes?
A tinted moisturiser is a cream that contains pigment that matches your skin colour. It hydrates the skin while offering sheer or light coverage. It is a less complex version of BB cremes— providing light coverage and hydration (BB creme does the same but offers additional skin benefits). Between tinted moisturisers and CC creme, the former offer lesser coverage than the latter. But its emollient properties can make the texture heavier.
Is CC Creme a good substitute for foundation?
CC Creme is an excellent swap for foundation, but it offers a lower coverage. It should be the perfect substitute if you want a natural, no-make-up look. However, keep in mind that colour variations in CC creme are limited— you may not be able to find your exact skin tone. You can use setting powders to neutralise that.
Can CC Creme Be Used as A Primer?
CC cream can work well as a color-correcting primer used before a foundation. It will even out the skin tone and give added anti-ageing and hydrating benefits.
Can BB Creme Be Used as a Primer?
Yes, you can use BB cream as a primer but CC creme is a better option. It is lighter and acts as a good colour-correcting primer.
Are CC and BB Cremes Sun-Safe?
Generally, BB and CC cremes contain SPF minerals that shield the skin against the sun's harmful rays.
Is it possible to combine BB and CC cremes?
It is okay to use BB and CC cremes at the same time. Combing the two will double the coverage, protection, mask blemishes, correct discolouration, and give the skin a healthy glow.
Conclusion
BB or CC cremes might be for you if you don't like traditional foundations. They have a light to medium coverage, giving you a no-makeup look. But of course, it all boils down to your skin type— If you have dry skin and are looking for hydrating makeup, consider BB creme. If you have oily skin, CC creme has higher mattifying properties.
